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View synonyms for tenacious

tenacious

[ tuh-ney-shuhs ]

adjective

  1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often followed by of ):

    a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits.

  2. highly retentive:

    a tenacious memory.

  3. persistent, stubborn, or obstinate.

    Synonyms: obstinate, persistent, pertinacious, dogged

  4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous.

    Synonyms: clingy

  5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.


tenacious

/ tɪˈneɪʃəs; tɪˈnæsɪtɪ /

adjective

  1. holding or grasping firmly; forceful

    a tenacious grip

  2. retentive

    a tenacious memory

  3. stubborn or persistent

    a tenacious character

  4. holding together firmly; tough or cohesive

    tenacious cement

  5. tending to stick or adhere

    tenacious mud

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • teˈnaciously, adverb
  • teˈnaciousness, noun
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Other Words From

  • te·na·cious·ly adverb
  • te·na·cious·ness noun
  • o·ver·te·na·cious adjective
  • o·ver·te·na·cious·ness noun
  • un·te·na·cious adjective
  • un·te·na·cious·ness noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacious1

First recorded in 1600–10; tenaci(ty) + -ous
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tenacious1

C16: from Latin tenāx, from tenēre to hold
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Example Sentences

Bellamy has also instilled an exciting new style of play - bold and creative on the ball, tenacious and relentless out of possession.

From BBC

Miraculously, scientists have now discovered that the tenacious penguins found a way to beat the colossal iceberg - satellite pictures seen exclusively by BBC News this week show life in the colony.

From BBC

Nonetheless, she added that it was an "honourable, tenacious and not unsuccessful attempt to go beyond them, and to leave - indeed to run some distance from - her formal comfort zone".

From BBC

He was tenacious and tactical to remain in contention and unleashed box office brilliance to create the chance of victory.

From BBC

Meanwhile the victims' group Relative for Justice praised the family's "tenacious, courageous and unending pursuit of truth and justice".

From BBC

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tenacetenaciously